Fluid-Controlled Electronic Games and Measurement Devices

ABSTRACT

A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/813,975 filed on Jun. 11, 2010, which claims the benefit ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/186,085 filed on Jun. 11, 2009, theentireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.61/552,807 filed on Oct. 28, 2011, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Different games are used to entertain patrons at restaurants and bars,particularly during happy hour and “night life” activities. For example,many bars have karaoke nights to allow patrons to have fun as theysocialize. Other popular bar activities include gambling and dancing.Entertainment has even made its way into the restrooms of theestablishments. For example, many restrooms now are equipped with LCDpanels that are positioned strategically around urinals and in stalls toentertain and advertise to patrons as they use the restroom facilities.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a device for estimating a stream of urine entering atoilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate anamount or time of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide anindication to an individual of the amount or time of the stream ofurine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example system for estimating urine output.

FIG. 2 shows another example system for estimating urine output.

FIG. 3 shows another view of the system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows an example user interface for a system for estimating urineoutput.

FIG. 5 shows another example system including multiple devices forestimating urine output.

FIG. 6 shows another example system including multiple devices forestimating urine output.

FIG. 7 shows an example flow mechanism for estimating urine output.

FIG. 8 shows another example flow mechanism for estimating urine output.

FIG. 9 shows another example flow mechanism for estimating urine output.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow mechanism of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows another example flow mechanism for estimating urineoutput.

FIG. 12 shows another example flow mechanism for estimating urineoutput.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the flow mechanism of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the flow mechanism of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples described herein are directed to electronic games that can beprovided in a restroom of a public establishment, such as a restaurantor bar. The games can be fluid-controlled, so that the games can be usedto track or otherwise quantify an amount of urine that is produced by anindividual or group of individuals. The games can be programmed tomonitor and reward certain behaviors.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one example system 100 is shown. The system 100includes a standard toilet bowl 110 that is part of a typical toiletfound in a public restroom. One or more sensors 120, 130 are affixed tothe toilet bowl 110 so that the sensors 120, 130 create a beam 140between the sensors. In the example shown, the sensors 120, 130 sensewhen the beam 140 is broken when an individual urinates into the toiletbowl 110.

For example, the urine stream 105 breaks the beam 140, and the sensors120, 130 sense when the beam is broken. In this example, the sensors120, 130 monitor a time for which the beam 140 is broken by the urinestream 105. This can be used, for example, to estimate an amount ofurination for the individual. The sensors 120, 130 can be reset, forexample, each time the toilet is flushed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, another example toilet system 200 isshown. The toilet system 200 includes a typical urinal 210. The urinal210 includes a flow mechanism 220 that quantifies an amount of urinationthat is created by an individual. For example, in the embodiment shown,the flow mechanism 220 is a mechanical turbine that rotates as the urinestream 105 enters an aperture 250 formed in the urinal 210 and contactsand spins the flow mechanism 220. When the urine stream 105 stops, theflow mechanism 220 stops, and a controller connected to the flowmechanism 220 estimates a volume of urine based on the number ofrevolutions for the flow mechanism 220.

For example, the system 200 can include a digital module 230 that isconnected through wired or wireless mechanisms to the flow mechanism220. The digital module 230 can estimate an amount of urine and displaythe estimate to the individual, as described below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an example user interface 300. In the exampleshown, the user interface 300 is incorporated as part of the digitalmodule 230. The user interface 300 includes a display, such as an LCDdisplay, that displays information to the individual. This informationcan include the estimate of the urine production for the individual.Example information can include the estimate of production per quantityof time or rate (e.g., in gallons or liters per minute), actualproduction amount (e.g., in gallons or liters), actual fluid weight(e.g., in ounces or pounds), power generated through the urine stream,etc. Other information can also be displayed.

A score for the user can also be displayed, such as a total urine outputscore, or another score quantifying the individual's production ascompared with others. In some examples, a total score can be producedthat tracks an individual through multiple visits to the restroom. Forexample, the individual can provide a form of identification (e.g., anumeric identification number or simply the individual's name) so thatthe system 200 can track the individual's urine production over multipletrips to the restroom.

The interface 300 can also have interactive aspects, such as start andreset buttons. Other configurations are possible.

Various games can be associated with the systems 100, 200. For example,the bar or other establishment can create contests for the individual orindividuals that generate the greatest amount of urine output in aparticular time period. The contests can be based on individual output,or can be aggregated into groups. Other contest, as described below, canalso be used.

For example, referring now to FIG. 5, a system 400 is shown with“dueling” urinals 410, 420. Each of the urinals 410, 420 is equipped toestimate an amount of urine output for individuals using the urinals410, 420. A read-out 430 displays totals.

For example, two individuals can use urinals 410, 420 in a directcompetition. For example, the system 400 can be programmed to estimatewhich individual generates a certain quantity (e.g., 12 ounces) of urineoutput in the least amount of time. The progress and winner can bedisplayed on the read-out 430.

In other examples, the system can be configured to output results over anetwork to a centralized server. This can allow, for example, forcompetitions between groups located at different places. For example,different bars can compete against one another.

Various methods can be used to display the progress on the read-out 430.For example, in one embodiment, LED lights of various colors are used,such as red, yellow, and green, to indicate an individual's progresstoward a goal. In another example, a race track is formed withrepresentations of horses for each individual. The horses move aroundthe track based on the urine output from each individual. The individualwith either the greatest quantity in a given timeframe can move theindividual's horse around the track the quickest to win the competition.Other configurations are possible.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the read-out 430 can reset upon flushingof the urinals 410, 420. A “best score” list can be maintained, andusers can enter names or initials via an input device such as a keypador touch screen (not shown). The information can be sent between theflow mechanisms 220, read-out 430, and any input devices using wired orwireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.). Otherconfigurations are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another example system 500 is shown. The system500 includes a trough style urinal 510 with a plurality of flowmechanisms 220 installed therein. Multiple individuals can use theurinal 510 at any given time to compete individually or against oneanother.

Various configurations can be used to form the flow mechanisms 220, asdescribed below.

For example, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a flow mechanism 600includes a turbine 610 with vanes 620. The turbine 610 is mounted to abase 630 and spins when the urine stream contacts the vanes 620. As theturbine 610 spins, a magnet 655 mounted to one or more of the vanes 620comes into close proximity with a sensor 650 (e.g., a Hall effectsensor). In this manner, the sensor 650 can calculate a total number ofrevolutions of the turbine 610 over a given time. This can be used toestimate urine output. The turbine 610 can be placed behind a guard toprotect the turbine 610, and the base 630 can be coupled to the urinal.For example, the base 630 could be cast into the porcelain of the urinalor otherwise attached thereto.

In FIG. 8, an example flow mechanism 700 includes a strain gaugeapparatus 710. The strain gauge apparatus 710 includes a flow channel720 through which the urine stream 105 is directed. A strain gauge 730is positioned to extend into the flow channel 720. As the urine streamflows through the channel 720, the strain gauge 730 is deflected. Bymeasuring the amount of deflection over time, an estimate of the urineoutput can be calculated. In examples, the strain gauge apparatus 710can be powered by batteries or hard wired.

For example, the strain gauge 730 can measure the amount of deflectionat a given point in time. The flow mechanism 700 can be configured toestimate a particular flow rate at a given deflection. By measuring thedeflection over time and estimating a flow rate at each measureddeflection, a total estimate of the urine output can be calculated.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, another strain gauge apparatus 800 isshown. The strain gauge apparatus 800 is configured in the shape of atypical “puck” 810 that is placed in a urinal. The puck 810 includes anaperture 820 formed in a top of the puck 810 and a hollow interior. Oneor more openings 830, 832 are also formed on the sides and/or bottom ofthe puck 810.

When the urine stream 108 is directed into the aperture 820, the urinecontacts a strain gauge 840. This deflects the strain gauge 840 (seedashed line). The deflection is measured over time to estimate urineoutput. A module 850 can be connected to the strain gauge 840 toestimate time of deflection and/or amount of deflection. The module 850can be configured to wirelessly transmit the information for display tothe individual.

In yet another example shown in FIG. 1, one or more sensors are used.The sensors project a beam between the sensors, such as an infra redbeam. The beam is distorted or broken with the urine stream 105 passesbetween the sensors. By measuring a duration of the disruption of thebeam, an estimate of the urine output can be calculated. In someexamples, the amount of disruption can be measured to provide a betterestimate of the amount of urine in the urine stream, or even a speed ofthe urine stream.

Other configurations are possible. For example, a motion sensor can beused to estimate the urine stream. In another embodiment, the flowmechanism is configured to collect the urine output and physicallymeasure the urine through weight or volume measurements beforediscarding the urine.

In some embodiments, the systems are configured to minimize aback-splash of the urine stream as the urine stream enters the systems.For example, if placed in a urinal, the system can be optimized tominimize an amount of urine that splashes out of the system. In someexamples, a target is provided to direct the user to aim at a particularspot so that splashing of the urine stream is minimized.

In alternative embodiments, the systems described herein can be used forother purposes as well. For example, the systems can be used to monitorthe amount of urine produced by individuals over a period of time. Ifthe establishment is a bar, the bar can use this information to estimatean intoxication level of the individual. Using this information, the barcan, for example, estimate when a patron is too intoxicated to drive andsuggest alternative transportation. In another example, the individualor individuals with the highest outputs or scores can win a free ridehome from the establishment.

In another embodiment, the systems can be used to assist in trainingchildren to use the toilet. The systems can make the process fun for achild, thereby increasing the chances that the child will use thetoilet.

For example, a form of strain gauge apparatus 900 is shown in FIG. 11.The stain gauge 900 can be employed in a household toilet with a simplering of identical or different LED lights 920 that illuminate in orderbased on flow rate or duration. The strain gauge apparatus 900 can besuspended over the toilet aperture through supports 910 on either sideattached on a proximal end to the strain gauge apparatus 900 and to thedistal end to the toilet walls or to one toilet wall. The strain gaugeapparatus 900 is ideally removable from the toilet for easy cleaning andbattery replacement.

In another example, the systems can be used to track water loss for anindividual. For example, athletes or other individuals may need to, orsimply want to monitor an amount of water loss to avoid dehydration.Such dehydration may present serious health risks during highperformance athletic competitions, such as marathons or triathlons.Alternatively, because proper hydration is a general aim of healthfuldaily living, even non-athletic individuals may use the systemsdescribed herein to maintain hydration. The systems described herein canbe used to estimate the amount of water lost through urination.

As with the household version of the strain gauge apparatus 900, anadult version used for physical health purposes may have an LCD displaywith a score representing estimated water loss or estimated waterreplacement need. This version of the device may be portable for useduring travel or at competitive sports events. Medical care providerscould use this adult version of the device with patients experiencingbelow or above-normal daily fluid loss. In the former instance, a lowtotal daily score could indicate dehydration or some other physicalproblem resulting in low urine production (oliguria), such as a urinarytract obstruction, renal failure, or hypovolemic shock. In the latterinstance, a very high total daily score could indicate diabetes or othermedical condition resulting in polyuria.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, another example flow mechanism 900 isshown. This flow mechanism includes a main body 910 and a display 920.Generally, the flow mechanism 900 is configured as a sealed, water tightcontainer, so that fluid cannot enter the main body 910. The display 920can display certain information to the user, as described further below.

Referring specifically to FIG. 14, the flow mechanism 900 includesvarious components located within the main body 910. Generally, the mainbody 910 includes an upper housing 942 and a lower housing 944. Theupper and lower housing 942, 944 are connected using, for example, boltsor other fasteners. The upper and lower housing 942, 944 are made of apolycarbonate. Other durable materials, such as other plastics or metal,can be used for the housing.

Various components are positioned within the upper and lower housings942, 944. For example, a lens 932 is positioned over a cover 934. Thelens 932 is at least semi-transparent so that a user can see the display920 mounted in the cover 934. In this example, the lens 932 and thecover 934 are made of a polycarbonate.

Underneath the cover 934 is an elastomeric ring 936. The ring 936 ismade of a soft rubber of any lower durometer, and the ring is fastenedto the upper housing 942 using, for example, glue. The lens 932 and thecover 934 are, in turn, connected to the ring 936 using, for example,glue. The ring 936 is compressible, as noted below.

An accelerometer is mounted to a board 938 located under the ring 936.The accelerometer is positioned so that the accelerometer can measuresmall changes in pressure applied to the lens 932. Specifically, whenpressure is applied to the lens 932, such as when a urine stream isdirected thereto, the lens 932 is forced downward and compresses thering 936. The accelerometer measures this change.

In this example, the accelerometer is a 3-axis low power accelerometermade by Freescale Semiconductor, part MMA7331. Other accelerometers canbe used as well. The accelerometer is soldered to the board 938, and isdesigned to be oriented with its face substantially parallel to thecover 934. This embodiment measures acceleration in that axis (i.e., theaccelerometer's z-axis, perpendicular to the surface of the cover 934).

A power source 940, such as batteries, is mounted within the upperhousing 942 as well. The power source 940 can be used to power theaccelerometer and the display 920.

In this example, the flow mechanism 900 is sized to fit into a standardtoilet or urinal. For example, the flow mechanism 900 is, in thisexample, approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 1 inch tall. Otherconfigurations are possible.

In one example use, the flow mechanism 900 is mounted in a urinal basinor toilet, whether by way of a support bracket or adhesive attachment.In some embodiments, the flow mechanism can simply be set down or leanedagainst a urinal structure.

The flow mechanism 900 stays in a low-power setting waiting fordisturbance of the accelerometer behind the display 920. As noted, thering 936 allows for the accelerometer to perceive motion of the cover932 upon a stream of urine being directed thereon.

Motion on the flow mechanism 900 wakes the flow mechanism 900 up, andthe flow mechanism 900 begins counting, such as from 0-99. The durationof the count continues as long as disturbance continues until either (a)the counter hits a preset number, such as 99, (b) the urine flow stopsto the preset number (e.g., could be 2-10 seconds with no disturbance onthe unit), or (c) an agreed time-out is reached (e.g., the user gets 30seconds only to hit the target to reach the preset number or the flowmechanism 900 times out and gives the user a final score—the highestnumber the user was able to reach).

The time variations can be adjusted in software based on desired userfeatures. For example, the unit could be set to only cease counting whenthe user hits 99 or is no longer able to agitate the target (they get tokeep “shooting” as long as they are able to). The flow mechanism 900could also include a delay period following a score to account forflushing (to avoid unintended game play and battery usage).

The display 920 could also include other features, such as a ring oflights that goes around in a circle, with speed increasing based onintensity.

The flow mechanism 900 is designed to allow for external agitation, butkeeps all parts waterproof. Ideally, little or no fluid goes through theflow mechanism 900. There are not moving parts except for slight motionof the accelerometer.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limiting. Variousmodifications and changes that may be made to the embodiments describedabove without departing from the true spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

1. A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal, the device comprising: a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine; and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine. 